Although I'm an FC supporter, I live in Chester, and end up attending Knowsley Road with Saints-supporting friends as often as the KCS. Regarding Long, I think it's broadly true that it was principally the term of the deal offered by Hull that swayed him. But as to the money on offer in Yorkshire versus that in Wigan, whatever Sean's version of events, ask yourself whether there was ever a chance of him seriously competing with Tommy Leuluai to be the starting No 7. He's been in the game long enough not be delusional about such things. Having watched him for several years at Saints, let me say that one aspect of his performances which became as apparent as any other week in, week out, was that his kicking game, place and open field, had degenerated to the point of at times becoming almost a liabilty. Not a secret on Merseyside, and should have been picked up by the deal-doers at the KCS.

My problem with Sean and Richard Horne is not that they're our first-choice partnership in the halves. There's certainly quality and experience in abundance there. It's more the naivity of thinking an increasingly injury-prone almost 35-year old player, and No 6 whose health has unfortunately been less than ideal in recent times, are the stuff on which the prospects of a team as ambitious as Hull FC should be based. And if the directors and the coach in their collective wisdom felt that such a risk was acceptable, to at least fail to have the safety net of capable reserve players waiting to step into the breach should the probable happen, could be argued to be little more that negligent.

A final thought. I don't decry the quality of our overseas acquisitions this season. Ogre and Fitz have been first-class. But if you were going to build a team from scratch, and salary-cap restriction meant that money was tight, and you clearly thought that you needed a new scum-half, which position would you start with? Brian Noble had six weeks to assemble a team at Wrexham, and brought in Michael Witt.

His twitter, if anyone fancies stalking him twitter.com/longythe7

His twitter, if anyone fancies stalking him twitter.com/longythe7

This may have already been mentioned but, there is a Q&A session with Long here www.totalrl.com/index.php?s=15f7 ... wforum=459 Some of the answers may be on interset when they are put on there.

This may have already been mentioned but, there is a Q&A session with Long here www.totalrl.com/index.php?s=15f7 ... wforum=459 Some of the answers may be on interset when they are put on there.

For me the only way we are going to get the best out of him next year is to sign a pacey no 6.

this would allow Long to drift in and out of play and direct the game, whilst the 6 does the running.

Horne and Long would be an absolute disaster next season, they are both too slow.

The best way to play Long next year is to pick and choose his games. Dont think his body can hack a full season. If we sign a half back i'd like to see Long play 60-70% of games by choice.

Totally agree. The only way to get the best out of Long next year is, injuries aside, to have a pacey SO along side him and that is certainly not Horne.